Newcastle interim coach Kristian Woolf has detailed the emotional toll Nathan Brown's exit wrought on the NRL club, which culminated in last week's flogging by the Wests Tigers.

After being battered from pillar to post by former Knights greats throughout the week, the playing group will be out to restore pride in front of some of the club's favourite sons against the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Woolf described old boys' day at McDonald Jones Stadium as the most important on the club's calendar and said the significance of the occasion had been discussed by the squad.

While the Knights require a minor miracle to make the top eight, following their 42-point defeat to the Tigers, they still have plenty left to play for.

Nathan Brown's exit has rocked the Newcastle Knights to its core ahead of the finals (AAP)

The loss prompted Brown to bring his departure forward from the end of the season and left Woolf to hold the reins for the final two rounds of the regular season.

Newcastle's preparations have been overshadowed by club legends Andrew and Matthew Johns' scathing criticism of the playing group and management.

Star Kalyn Ponga was also forced to apologise for his nonchalant response to news of Brown's abrupt departure at a media session.

Woolf acknowledged the coaching saga wasn't ideal but the squad had regrouped.